Fates Warning, Darkness In A Different Light, 2013

Fates are back! And if you consider yourself a fan of the band, than that is all you need to know. Get it!

Okay, the readers that apparently are still here, will not be so familiar with Fates Warning. Which means they have been missing a lot. So let me try to give you some insight. For many the attraction of the band´s music will lay in (in random order) a) the singing of Ray Alder. Very recognisable voice, an unique ear for melodies and still melodic. b) the song writing skills of Jim Matheos. The guitarist is a master in combining clean parts with metal riffs, counter play and songs with dark and light. Pun intended. c) the skilled and very inventive drum work of Mark Zonder. Oh wait, Mark has left the band and now Bobby Jarzombek is hitting the skins. And does a pretty good job at it too.

These 3 important factors have secured Fates Warning their own sound and place in the annuals of prog metal history. And on this album they continue where they left us a couple of years ago. And before you think they do not develop, you are wrong. At least partly. But I like the band and their music. Old partner Frank Aresti is back and the band sound in good spirits and inspired. Which makes me hope the next release will not be 8 years from now (wild guess, I did not look that up). Welcome back!